Don’t miss an extraordinary lineup of events in Week 2 of WEP 2025: Outliers – Redefining the Norm. From thought-provoking discussions to captivating performances, join us from January 19–23, 2025, for experiences that challenge boundaries and celebrate innovation.
Sunday, January 19
Panel Discussion: Educational Outliers
5:30 p.m. | Building 20, Auditorium
Discover transformative ideas in education as experts explore innovative approaches to teaching and learning.
Speakers:
- Charlotte Horlyck, Head of School of Arts, SOAS London University
- Taghreed AlSaraj, General Manager of Education & Talent Development Museums Commission, Ministry of Culture
- Arwa Al-Aama, Advisor to the Vice President of Education and Academic Affairs, KAUST
- Sultan Albarakati, Executive Director of KAUST Academy, KAUST
Monday, January 20
Fireside Keynote: Getting Out of the Way
5:30 p.m. | Building 20, Auditorium
Explore the art of enabling innovation and fostering creativity in this engaging keynote by Tracy Playle, CEO of Picklejar Communications.
Tuesday, January 21
Panel Discussion: The New Space Race: Exploring Near Space Opportunities
5:30 p.m. | Building 20, Auditorium
Dive into the opportunities and challenges of near-space exploration with leading experts and innovators.
Speakers:
- Richard Gustafson, President and CEO, PowerLight Technologies
- Halim Yanikomeroglu, Chancellor’s Professor, Carleton University
- Shiro Fukumoto,Vice-Chair of the Telecommunications WG, HAPSMobile Inc.
- Paul Stevens, CEO, Voltitude Ltd,
Wednesday, January 22
Fireside Keynote: Space Age Archaeology
5:30 PM | Building 20, Auditorium
Discover the fascinating intersection of space exploration and archaeology with Sarah Parcak, University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Thursday, January 23
Panel Discussion: Technology Outliers
5:30 p.m. | Building 20, Auditorium
Explore how technology is shaping the future through bold innovation and transformative ideas.
Speakers:
- Shabir Ahmed, Chief Industry Advisor, SAP South Africa
- Babar Khan, KAUST alumni and Senior Investment Manager, NEOM
- Hashim Al Zain, CTO, DarTec Engineering
Final Gala
7:00 p.m. | Building 20, Auditorium and outdoor area between Building 19 & 20.
Celebrate the culmination of WEP 2025 with an evening of thought-provoking discussions, captivating performances, and heartfelt reflections.
The event will feature:
- A performance by Tim Blais, President and Creative Director of A Capella Science, blending music and science.
- Closing remarks by WEP Chair Michael Berumen, marking the end of this extraordinary journey.
Join the Journey!
Be part of an extraordinary week filled with thought-provoking discussions, inspiring keynotes, and captivating performances. Attend in person at Building 20, Auditorium, or join via live stream on KAUST’s YouTube channel.
Visit wep.kaust.edu.sa for the full agenda and follow #WEP2025 for updates. Let Week 2 inspire you to redefine the norm!
WEP Team
WEP@kaust.edu.sa